GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Breath Testing
Millions suffer from GERD (acid reflux, heartburn), as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Conventional treatments can mask symptoms with meds such as acid blockers, but fail to address underlying causes like chronic inflammation, gut microbiome imbalance, and dietary triggers. Patients frequently experience ongoing digestive distress, nutrient deficiencies, and limited improvement in their overall well-being. This urea breath test is designed to evaluate the presence of H. pylori, a common microbe that colonizes the upper digestive tract such as the stomach. The presence of H. pylori can disrupt the normal function of the upper digestive process, especially the stomach and stomach acid formation. Some individuals may find that eradicating or improving stomach digestive function improves symptoms of acid reflux, IBS, or SIBO. This test is considered highly accurate for identifying H. pylori presence and is non-invasive compared to biopsy and stomach acid culture. NOTE: The following video discusses a 3-step plan proposal for someone with SIBO; each client's collaborative plan will be unique.
About Your Practitioner
Max Muehleip (Mew-LIPE), MS, DC – known affectionately by his patients as Doctor Max – is the founder of Maximal Wellness Clinic, a Chiropractic and nutrition clinic located in Tigard, Oregon. Dr. Max was born in Chicago, Illinois, and as a child suffered from constant colds and infections, asthma, digestive pain, and allergies. In middle school, he and his family moved to rural Wisconsin. There, surrounded by fresh air, allergies and asthma began to subside. Max realized he didn't have to feel awful forever and determined to become a Chiropractor. While in medical school, his digestion improved, weight dropped to a healthy level, blood pressure lowered, and his acne cleared up. He graduated with his Doctorate in Chiropractic in 2016; his masters in human nutrition & functional medicine in 2017. In 2018, Dr. Max and his wife, Maya, had their son Magnus. This was followed by daughters Maple in 2020, and Maven in 2023. Dr. Max worked at Nutura Clinic, an integrated clinic with Naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, acupuncturists, and medical doctors (MD) for almost 5 years. He taught Applied Nutrition for Life West Chiropractic College from 2022-2024, and opened his own practice in 2025. Max now offers health coaching services to clients across the USA for chronic digestive issues such as IBS, GERD, SIBO, and IBD.